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We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.
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Get Involved

Families

Families Lead
Family Logo

Families are the number one fans of our Special Olympics athletes. They offer a unique type of support, love and encouragement that no one else can. Special Olympics is a support network that brings families together in a caring, positive way—and that makes the cheers for our athletes even louder!

Among Friends

At Special Olympics competitions and events, family members are among friends—and feel at home. They watch with pride as their athlete finds success and joy.

A mother in Great Britain says families are part of the team—working together to make it all happen. "Everyone in the programme accepts each other without question. Everyone works as a team supporting each other." She says her son has made great strides since joining Special Olympics. "I know this has meant a great deal to him and, as a mum, to watch Jamie achieve and believe in himself is just wonderful."

Building Communities

Families are an essential link to the community and wider support for our movement. To learn more about different volunteer and leadership opportunities available to Special Olympics families, please reach out to your local Special Olympics program.

For every family member who gets involved, Special Olympics has a reason to celebrate!

Special Olympics Handbook for Effective Family Engagement

Advice, stories, observations and tips from special olympics family and program leaders from around the world
Global Family Leadership Council

Amal Khafaoui

Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa - Sibling

Gang PENG

Special Olympics East Asia - Parent

Wendy Trotter

Special Olympics North America - Parent

Pelotlhomogi Rantseo

Special Olympics Africa - Parent

Vaiva Abramaviciute de Silva

Special Olympics Europe Eurasia - Caregiver

Claudia Peña Testa

Special Olympics Latin America - Parent

Nauman Mehboob

Special Olympics Asia Pacific - Parent
Recent Articles about Families

Lighting the Way Series, Part 1: Spotlighting Global Family Leadership on International Day of Families

This International Day of Families, Special Olympics is celebrating the parents, siblings, and caregivers who are the heartbeat of the Special Olympics movement. Families shape every athlete’s journey by offering a unique type of love and support that fuels confidence and makes impactful changes to athletes' lives.
4 Min Read

One for All and All for One: Team Mari

For Mari Holt, competing at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games is a long-awaited dream come true. And she’s not alone—nearly 20 family members traveled from Norway to Turin to support her. Her parents, sister, uncles, aunts—everyone was there, waving custom made “Team Mari” flags and cheering her on!
1 Min Read

A Mother’s Love Knows No Bounds

This Mother’s Day we celebrate the love and unwavering support of one mother of a Special Olympics athlete and athlete leader.
4 Min Read